Chapter 1: Introduction

It was a sunny day in Kohana, everyone was enjoying the peace that they used to take for granted till a year ago. Far away from the market area in a small and messy apartment slept a blonde ninja. He was having the time of his life in his dreams until suddenly the memories of a year ago started flooding into his mind.

Neji... why did you...?? NOOOO--

Naruto almost blasted off his floorboard with a rasengan. He looked around wide eyed to see where he was. The Juubi was no where to be seen, he thought. Ah, it was a nightmare again. He collected himself and went to take a bath. He was dead tired from the mission he returned yesterday late at night. The mission itself wasn't hard, but this time of the year it seemed like the hardest thing to do. After taking a long bath, the dressed himself quickly into a white t-shirt and his signature orange pants. It was already midday, so he decided to go to Ichiraku and have his favourite ramen.

The walk from his apartment to the ramen shop wasn't long but it still took him at least half an hour to get there, the life of a hero is not that easy. He was stopped in every 3 minutes or so, everyone wanted to congratulate the war hero. Fangirls, which he tired to avoid as much as he can, turned up out of where today to give him presents. Tomorrow is his birthday after all. Which reminded him that today is Neji's one-year death anniversary and tomorrow is his mother and father's 17th death anniversary. The thought made me even more gloomy. Today he wasn't himself and it was showing.

At the ramen shop he saw his friends Sakura Hanruno and Sai. Sakura was now a full time medical ninja and she was without a doubt the best one in Kohana right now. The artist Sai, on the other hand was just as pale as a ghost although he was far better at showing emotions now, the damage the ROOT did to him was fading. Naruto was glad he meet them and they decided to spend the day together as they all have the day off.

After eating at the ramen shop, they went to stroll around the market. There the three of them meet Ino Yamanaka with her team mates Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi. They were just outside the Yamanaka flower shop.

"Going to visit your father and sensei, Shikamaru?" asked Sakura as he was holding white roses in his hands.

"Yeah" said Shikamaru. His gaze shifted to Naruto who looked even more gloomier. "What's your deal today Naruto? You are not your usual self" he said. Naruto managed to smile a little, but the message was received by everyone.

"It wasn't your fault Naruto, you know that right? We have talked about this many times" said Ino. She was also holding the same flowers which meant she was going to visit her father. Naruto knew what she meant and they certainly have talked a lot about it after the war but it was difficult for him to admit that. All his life people had died for him- his father and mother, Jiraya sensei, Neji and countless others and the weight of their deaths lie heavy on his shoulders. Seeing his Choji offered him the same pure white flowers and they all headed to the cemetery in silence.

After reaching there, Shikamru and Ino went to their father's and sensei's garve, while Sakura and Sai stayed behind to give Naruto some space. He went to Neji's grave. He saw that the flowers were already fresh, it meant only one thing- Hinata was just here. He looked around too see if she was still present somewhere near. She wasn't. He placed his flowers on the grave and Neji's final words started ringing in his ears.

"Lady Hinata was willing to die for you Naruto, so keep in mind that your life is not your own anymore. It also includes mine now as well."

Not my own, huh. I wish you could hear this- Thank you, Neji. I owe you more than my life, Naruto thought as tears started to gush down his face. He didn't even try to hide them. After what seemed a lifetime he went out to the others and said his goodbyes, he wasn't in the mood to be around anyone today.

After not wanting to go back to his lonely apartment, his feet took him to the Hyuga compound but he stopped short when he saw the blue haired girl standing right outside, she seemed to be waiting for someone. He looked at her, he wanted to talk to her but wasn't sure what to say. He remembered how she would've died protecting him from the Juubi's attack, if it weren't for Neji this girl would not be in front of him, this thought made his knees weak and he started to sweat he didn't even want to think about the "what if" for a second. Instead he let his mind wander into the good times he shared with her. They hung out a lot together after the war. Naruto wasn't sure what was it but it seemed that things were a lot easier around her. Just went to thought of going to talk to her, Hinata's little sister came running towards her. He saw the two of them entering their house and found himself on his way back to his apartment.

After eating his cup ramen he let his mind wander the memories of last year. It was amazing when his after wished him Happy Birthday, that was a rush he has never felt, oh much he wanted that to happen again. Thinking about his mother and father he fell asleep. He didn't know what triggered his memory but he dreamt he was fighting Pain again and he just stabbed Hinata.

HINATA!!!!!! He shouted in his sleep, only to wake up next day and forget what she said in the dream.

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